06 Sep The best kennels and day-care centres in Madrid
Dogs are very sociable animals that tend to adapt quite well to our routines. However, some may not be particularly thrilled if they know they are going to spend the day alone. After all, any extrovert can attest that spending too much time without company can be frustrating, depressing and lead to unhealthy habits.
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The usual working day is 8 hours. If we take into account the commute to the office, errands and social activity (gym, friends, etc...) our pet could spend more than ten hours alone every day. It is true that some dogs will sleep all day if left alone, but this kind of sedentary lifestyle is not healthy in the long run.
Lack of physical and mental activity can lead to weight problems, mobility problems and destructive behaviours fuelled by boredom. That's why we need to provide regular activities for our dog, even when we're away. Doggy daycare is a great way to keep your pet busy and avoid unwanted behaviour, as well as allowing them to play all day!
"Where to leave my dog in Madrid - Kennels and kennels
Almacan Hotel-Residencia Canina Madrid
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In addition to dogs, cats, birds and other pets are also welcome at the kennels. The centre has 20,000 m² of recreation areas, 51 rooms, 5 caretakers and a capacity of 49 guestsso that the 24-hour care is more than guaranteed.
On the other hand, the services they offer cover all the needs and comforts of their clients, putting at their reach professional veterinarians, dog trainers, groomers, rehabilitation specialists and more. The animals can reside in from one day to months. To do so, they must meet a series of requirements, such as being correctly vaccinated and dewormed.
The centre has specially equipped vehicles for dog transport with transport cages, GPS and air conditioning. This service is provided from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm. In addition, for stays of more than 30 days, transport is free of charge. The price shown on their website is 16 euros per day.
- Web: almacanresidenciacanina.com
- Address: Carretera M123 de Algete a Valdeolmos, Km 6.100 (Alalpardo)
- Telephone: 609 78 08 75
2. Animal Solution
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This company has a dog day-care service for dogs with specialised carers and educators who take care of the pet for as long as necessary. The animals can stay at the kennels for the whole day or for a few hours.
Among their services, you will find hairdressingwhere they will be groomed and made to look spectacular, and that of pet recovery with constant attention and vigilance to cure them in the shortest possible time. In addition, the service of animal psychology offers professional educators to teach clients how to understand their pet and strengthen their relationship. Those in charge insist that this is a recovery centre with specialised veterinarians, not a veterinary clinic.
- Web: animalsolucion.com
- Address: Calle de Virgen de Lluc, 16
- Telephone: 609 78 08 75
3. Dog de Mayo
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This name is a good clue to its location. All users agree that the treatment is exquisite, with good prices and convenience in payments. The facilities are spacious and very hygienic..
The reference person is DavidDavid is a professional who is very good with dogs. He has a huge affection for them and shows it by talking to them, petting them and making sure they are well and happy. He also sends daily messages and videos of the pets to their owners. You can tell that at Dog de Mayo they do what they love and they do it very well.
- Web: instagram.com/_eldogdemayo_
- Address: Calle de la Palma, 15
- Telephone: 609 78 08 75
4. UpDog - Hairdresser and day care centre
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It is located in two of the capital's most select neighbourhoods: Salamanca y Chamberí. Consolidated as a a benchmark brand in the sectorUpDog offers individualised treatment for each pet, as well as a series of exclusive services.
The company was founded in 2015 and is characterised by love for dogsFor this reason, the good treatment of pets is a fundamental pillar in all its centres. It also stands out for its commitment to the transparency (through a grooming and daycare model that is open and visible from the outside). In this way, the animals are always visible to the public, which is a confidence factor for customers.
Among its many services canine hairdressingAmong its many grooming services are: specific haircuts, by type of breed with scissors; the change of image in dogs without a defined breed; the stripping technique for hard hair; nail clipping; ear cleaning or the emptying of anal glands.
In addition, UpDog also offers special treatments for sensitive skin (moisturising, softening, whitening, colour enhancer, anti-parasite and deodorant), specialised baths (with top quality cosmetic products) and therapeutic baths (with treatments indicated by your vet). The opening hours of the nursery are from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and of the hairdressing salon, from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Web: updog.co.uk
- Addresses and telephone numbers in Madrid:
- UpDog Goya: Calle Duque de Sesto 5 // Tel: 627 39 03 46
- UpDog Chamberí: Calle Gaztambide 50 // Tel: 626 56 46 46 27
- UpDog Chamartín: Calle Trueba y Fernández 3 // Tel: 624 29 81 76
- UpDog Guinalera: Calle Cartagena 58 // Tel:669 368 577
5. WagWag
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Paula López de María is the founder of WagWag. She has a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid and specialised in canine behaviour through the Master's Degree in Small Animal Ethology.
Wag Wag means "wag the tail", and that is exactly what they want to achieve with every dog that comes to their facilities. This two-storey kennel has two floors that include Reception, shop, playroom, grooming and behavioural consultation.. The premises have large windows overlooking the street from which you can see the wonderful way the dogs are treated.
Gaming rooms are spacious and safe. The animals are divided into groups according to their size, temperament and age. A member of the team of dog handlers is with the dogs at all times to guide the games and ensure that no pet is left out.
WagWag has a van adapted for the transport of dogs.. It is safe, comfortable and has air conditioning and heating so that the animal has a calm and happy transfer. If the client cannot leave the dog at the kennel by his own means, the staff will pick him up or drop him off at home in the afternoon. Open from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. non-stop.
Rates are around €290 per month, but can also be contracted on a half-day and/or part-time basis. It has a home service.
- Web: wagwag.co.uk
- Addresses and telephone numbers in Madrid:
- Wag Wag Parque de El Retiro: Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo, 9 // Tel: 910 89 29 14 / 640 12 64 21
- Wag Wag Parque de Berlín: Calle de Príncipe de Vergara, 208 // Tel: 911 40 82 13 / 640 79 93 30
6. Snau - Dog day care at your home
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This is a home dog day care service through the services of the "Snauer", staff members fully qualified to look after the pet when its owner is unable to do so.
They have hourly rates that are really affordable if you are looking for a sporadic service.. They also offer daily rates, in case you want to have a permanent daycare with a pick-up service that includes the delivery of the dog. They are open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm.
- Web: snau.co.uk
- Address: Calle de Toledo, 166
- Telephone: 911 48 48 64
7. Guaurderia
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The premises are adapted so that the dogs can be together and unleashed, no danger of them going outside. In this way, they are given greater protection, especially when there is an animal with an escapist soul.
The dogs are never left alone and are looked after and supervised at all times so that the games are fun and there is no chance of getting angry. The space has a large window through which a good amount of light enters, so the animals can be seen from the outside and the inside of the premises.
In Guaurdería they make a previous selection to group the dogs according to their behaviour.. In this way, they ensure that there is a good relationship between them and a good atmosphere is created. At mealtimes, each dog has its own space so as not to be disturbed and to avoid problems.
All dogs must be up to date with their vaccinations. It is therefore compulsory to bring your dog's vaccination card with you when you visit. During the day, the staff make it easy for you to see your pet through their social networks, as they upload photos and videos of the animals every day.
- Web: guaurderia.com
- Address: Calle de Donoso Cortés, 54
- Phone: 607 49 96 01
"Benefits of doggy day care
The kennel, in addition to the accommodation itself, offers a wide range of services and facilities that provide the animal with the stimulation it needs to keep it active and happy. Whether it is a young puppy or an adult dog, this type of enterprise will keep the pet happy and healthy, helping it to socialise with a group of dogs on a daily basis.
1. Socialisation
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Boarding kennels provide a safe and controlled environment for the animal plays with other dogs of all sizes, breeds and personalities.. In these facilities, they work to ensure that each pet has a positive experience, participating in supervised playtime.
The activity also includes new experiences for those who have not had the opportunity to interact as much, which helps them develop confidence and good manners. Keep in mind that every dog is different and their habits, personalities and energy levels vary. Therefore, the animal should enjoy themselves in their own way, expressing themselves appropriately and working with pent-up energy without feeling overwhelmed..
2. Physical exercise
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Less active lifestyles are often detrimental to both body and mind. Dogs that spend a lot of time alone can learn to adapt to this slower-paced routine. However, limiting their physical and mental activity can lead to weight and mobility problems, overeating and poor digestion.
Controlling the weight of some animals can be a challenge, especially when they have no desire to play or exercise. Daycare provides a supportive environment that will allow them to overweight or lazy dog is enthusiastic about physical activityhelp them shed pounds and build muscle. Weekly or even daily daycare sessions will keep the animal physically and mentally active.
3. Separation anxiety?
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A dog may feel anxious about being left alone, something he shows by crying, howling, licking, chewing or showing other signs of stress, but we can't stop doing our daily activities. That's why doggy daycare allows us to leave our pet alone.
The benefits to the animal are felt even when their daily services are not used as the weekly social interaction, especially in groups, helps the dog to maintain the activity it needs.
4. Maintain a routine
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The dog has a daily routine that includes mealtimes, playtime, toileting and even naps. These habits are important for the animal and can be affected if you work long hours a day.
The nursery provides a support so that the pet maintains its home habits and stays healthy. Frequent toilet breaks and regular feeding schedules can improve digestion and urinary tract health, as well as weight control and calorie distribution.
Daycare staff are responsible for dividing play time and activities into manageable time periods. By structuring daily activities, highly emotional dogs can control their pace, something that animals with limited mobility, older pets and even puppies do without realising it. It doesn't hurt to ask at daycare what kinds of activities the animal enjoys most and try them at home to help encourage activity and strengthen the bond with the animal.
5. Peace of mind
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Coming home to "accidents" or even just a very sad puppy can be stressful. It's easy to get frustrated and reprimand the dog, but the fact is that his actions only express that he is upset.. Enrolling the animal in day care will take away the anxiety and worry about what to expect when you return home.
"Daycare is not for every dog
There are a few factors to consider before enrolling your pet in a day-care centre as, unfortunately, not all dogs are suitable. In fact, such services could do more harm than good if the animal falls into one of these categories:
"Poorly socialised or unsocialised dogs: may become overwhelmed and engage in aggressive or antisocial behaviour at daycare.
"Animals that have assaulted people or other dogs in the past: in this case, the kennel may not be a safe place for other dogs, company employees and the dog itself.
"Pets that have not been properly vaccinated: are susceptible to disease and illness.
"Dogs suffering from injuries: may require care beyond what the company's staff can provide.
The staff will do a pre-assessment of the pet to determine whether or not it is suitable for daycare services. Please note that just because the dog does not enjoy the place or is not suitable for the group once accepted, does not mean that it is bad. It simply does not want to be there.
"A day at doggy day care
" Entry: dogs are not classified by size. They are usually divided into larger or smaller groups according to their level of socialisation or at the owner's request.
"Lunch: At midday the animals can eat or simply rest. Afterwards, they have an hour's rest to ensure proper digestion. An overtired dog can become stressed. This downtime is an excellent way to prevent fights caused by anxiety and excessive excitement.
"Play time: In these places, animals often have constant access to a large outdoor area when the weather permits. There are tons of toys to keep them amused. In the summer, the dogs have outdoor play structures that encourage even more exercise. In the winter months, outings are more controlled so that the dogs do not get too cold, and indoor play is preferred to maintain physical activity.
"Choosing the right doggy daycare
Not all animal day care centres are the same. The facilities, staff, training and price will vary depending on which one you choose.
No one would feel comfortable leaving their precious puppy in day care without first checking that it will be safe and well cared for. Therefore, it is worth examining the premises before committing to anything. Price will be a factor, but the cheapest option may not be the most convenient.
The first thing to evaluate will be the facilities. Any kennel that is proud of its services will offer to give you a tour of the kennel. This will be an opportunity to check the cleanliness, size and quality of the equipment.
Another thing to check is the knowledge and the experience of the team. So talk to the staff and get an idea of their training, protocols and experience in working with different types of dogs. Leaving your pet with someone who understands animal behaviour and is certified in pet first aid will give you peace of mind. There is no need to feel bad about asking difficult questions just to make sure.
Finally, read reviews from other pet owners who have used their services can be helpful in understanding the level of care offered by the staff and the company.